English Premier League bosses plead to call off Africa Cup over safety fears

London, Jan 9 (ANI): Horrified Premier League bosses last night called for the African Nations Cup in Angola to be scrapped, after the Togo team was attacked by rebels in Cabinda.

The Togo team coach driver was killed and two players injured when Angolan rebels opened fire with machine guns at two buses.

Manchester City will hold emergency talks with the Football Association after their striker Emmanuel Adebayor was caught up in the Togo gun horror.

Hull boss Phil Brown wants his two players back home now. "I am appalled. This throws a question mark against next summer's World Cup."

"You simply cannot put the safety of players, officials and fans at the slightest risk. That is totally unacceptable. I have two players - Daniel Cousin and Seyi Olofinjana - on duty and I want them back home here with us as quickly as possible," The Sun quoted Brown, as saying.

Portsmouth has four senior players in Africa. The club also wants FIFA to stop the tournament going ahead tomorrow.

Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie said: "This is a terrible, tragic incident and I am very concerned about this whole situation. The safety of all the players must be paramount and that's why I believe they should all come home as soon as possible."

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said: "It's frightening. I agree it's worth considering calling the whole thing off. We can't just sit around and wait for the next shooting."

It now seems certain that Togo will withdraw from Africa Cup, but others may follow suit.

Chelsea also has four players at the tournament, including star striker Didier Drogba.

A spokesman said: "Everyone at Chelsea is shocked but we will wait for information from the relevant authorities." (ANI)